Families of remand prisoners killed during the Negombo prison riot have not received any financial compensation, drawing sharp criticism from civil rights advocates over alleged discriminatory state policies.
The Committee for Protecting Rights of Prisoners (CPRP) highlighted the disparity in Colombo on Thursday, pointing out that while deceased prison officers received substantial payouts, families of the dead inmates remain uncompensated.
Attorney-at-Law Senaka Perera, speaking on behalf of the organization, noted that none of the deceased inmates were convicts, as the July clashes involved remand detainees and prison personnel.
The cabinet recently approved Rs. 5 million each for families of officers who lost their lives or suffered permanent disabilities during the July 5 and 6 violence.
Deceased prison officers also previously received two million rupees through the Agrahara insurance scheme, bringing their total compensation to seven million rupees.
Prison Spokesman Senaka Pallethenna said that families of dead officers have been paid while acknowledging that families of dead or wounded remand prisoners have received nothing.
The prisoners rights body has formally raised the grievance with the President Office and intends to discuss the matter further with Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara.
Legal observers noted that the state bears absolute responsibility for the safety of all individuals held in custody regardless of their legal status.
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